Tattered Cover Book Store

Known for hosting big names in the author world, the now five locations (including Denver International Airport where there’s a shop in each of the three concourses), are spread around the city. Offering a cozy place to settle into one of their comfortable couches or overstuffed chairs, you can get lost in a book, magazine or even a newspaper (remember those?). The original store, no longer in use, was opened in 1971 in the Cherry Creek area with a mere 950 sq. ft.—a very cozy space! Now the locations are spacious and have room for gatherings of up to 400 people for the over 400 authors, illustrators, and speakers who present in the stores each year.

In a world full of Barnes & Noble and books you can read on your phone, it’s a treat to go to an indie book store with some character and actual books. The Tattered Cover has become a Denver institution over the last 40 years, and the LoDo branch is my favorite. The store is more of a library or community center with baked goods, overstuffed Salvation Army-style couches, and nooks and crannies perfect for getting lost in a book. I swear, they wouldn’t care if you read War and Peace in there. The old wooden floors squeak while people of all ages compare favorite reads. Check their event schedule because some pretty heavy hitters come in for readings. And when you enter through the 16th Street Mall entrance, look up and see the second story entrance from where the old viaducts stood. Travel section: take the stairs to the top floor, bookshelf on the right.

Can you believe it? A store that sells actual books! The Tattered Cover represents a quickly fading species -- the old-fashioned bookstore. The downtown Denver location is quaint, cozy, filled with awesome staff selections & has a great cafe. Stop in for a quick break or lounge around all day one rainy afternoon :)